Multifactorial Study of Suicidal Deaths in Women of Reproductive Age Group and Their Relationship with Menstrual Cycle- A Histopathological Based Autopsy Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to find out the association of suicidal deaths among women of reproductive age groups with various sociodemographic factors like age, marital status, locality, occupation and to evaluate the relationship of female suicide with different phases of the menstrual cycle through histological study of the uterus and ovary. Material and Methods: This descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of FMT in collaboration with the department of Pathology,
MJNMC&H, Cooch Behar, West Bengal during a period of one year on 116 women in the reproductive age group of 15–45 years.
Results: To study the menstrual phases, the whole uterus and both ovaries were collected at autopsy and fixed in formalin solution and sent to the pathology department for histological examination. Most of the victims were in the age group of 15–25 years (51.8%) and were married Hindus from a rural locality. Hanging was the most common method adopted for suicide (72.4%) with family problems being the most common precipitating cause (34.5%). 67.2% women committed suicide during the secretory phase followed by 25% in the proliferative phase. Limitations: though some socio-demographic factors were included in this study as parameters, a few were absent, like per capita income, type of family, seasonal variations, etc. Here lie the limitations of this study.
Conclusion: Further research to confirm the findings of this study is needed. Results might help in the optimal planning of preventive measures against suicide.